How to Host an Epic Ugly Sweater Party

Ever wonder How to Host an Epic Ugly Sweater Party? I’m here to help with all the delicious foods, tasty beverages and the cheesiest decorations you can find.

Tis the season to be merry…and ugly! Nothing screams the holidays quite like an Ugly Sweater party and my friends and I take it to a whole other level.

What started as a fun tradition in college, to raid the racks at local thrift stores, quickly became a huge nationwide theme. Who knew the sweaters our grandmothers and parents {hello 80’s} wore would be so popular 30 years later!

We are years past our college days but the tradition still lives on. We even dress our children in “ugly” sweaters and have them join in on the fun before their bedtime and time for the party to really get started!

And what’s a party without some delicious food. My friends are lucky they have a food blogger friend who loves to bring awesome food ? What I love about parties is the mix of food. While some people love to get into the kitchen and whip up tasty appetizers and snacks (me!) others just don’t have the time or care to be in the kitchen. And that’s ok too.

I’m a big planner. I’ve got to know what is going on months ahead of time and I am always up to date on the latest food trends. I’m also the first of my friends to buy into said food trends, which can either be a good or awful thing.

What I like to do before the party starts is set up the whole table. I place serving bowls, trays, cups, etc onto the table and place the packages into the bowls. I like to see visually how everything is going to look before I start pouring things into the bowls and trying to rearrange while people are shuffling through the door. This way I am way prepared and can open the packages 5 minutes before guests arrive.

Luckily, Frito Lay makes some amazing snack foods to complete your holiday table. Every year I look for tasty “fill-ins” to complete our Ugly Sweater tablescape. You can never go wrong with chips and salsa and our favorite is Tostitos Scoops! I love the Tostitos Scoops! because they hold more. What’s easier than putting out a bowl of salsa and a bag of chips?

Did I also mention nothing can ever be simple with me? Oh no, I always have to bring my A+ game so in addition to putting out said bowl of salsa and Tostitos Scoops!, I like to make 5 layer bites, in the Tostitos Scoops! More room for more fun, right?! I add black bean hummus, corn, red onion, Pico de Gallo and pepper jack cheese into the Tostitos Scoops! and it’s a quick 1, (or 2 if you’re dainty) bite.

My friends and I also have a huge sweet tooth and last year I discovered Lay’s Wavy Dark Chocolate covered potato chips. I’m a sweet and salty girl and these are AMAZING! I throw a bowl of them on the table and they’re gone in minutes, so pre warning, pick up a few!

I also love to put out bowls of Lay’s Kettle Cooked chips, varies snack mixes and popcorn. These types of snack foods are so easy, quick and a crowd pleaser. This year I went with Smartfood Indulgences Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Popcorn, so addicting, and Nut Harvest milk chocolate peanuts. Just like the Lay’s Wavy Dark Chocolate covered potato chips, these were the first to go.

Now, like I mentioned, we are kid friendly-ish, until it’s time for them to go to bed. Then we break out the gift exchange, pop open the beers (Bud Light for the win) and play some adult games! Hello Cards Against Humanity!

For decorations this year, I ordered a whole bunch of party ware from Amazon. I was so happy with their selection and it matched our Ugly Sweater theme perfectly! I also went into Dollar Tree and picked up a cheap table-cloth, banners and chair covers for the soiree.

As for my sweater, I have long given up on the thrift stores and purchased mine this year from Kohl’s and the husband’s came from Target.

I also hit up our local Hobby Lobby and scored all those containers that say “{Get your Tacky on” which were perfect for holding food and our “ugly” photo booth props.

I love the holidays and I love it even more when it is enjoyed with friends. I love the selection of Frito Lay products I can quickly pick up at the store in which everyone enjoys.

You can host an Ugly Sweater party with your friends and family that’s simple, cost-effective and super fun…for all ages! My kid’s sweaters also came from Target.

So, grab all your friends, a bag of Tostitos Scoops! (and the Lay’s Wavy Dark Chocolate covered potato chips) and bring the ugly to your home this year. It’ll be a party everyone will sure remember.